Why is my dog refusing their food? + Tips to help get back on track!

The first thing to ask yourself is, have they refused in the past?  If the answer is yes, then it might be a behaviour trait for your dog.  Or it could be that they don't feel comfortable eating in difference scenarios.  It might be helpful to take note of what is happening during this time and see if there are patterns for when they refuse their food.  

• has there been a weather change? 
• do you have house guests?  
• is a normal family member away?  
• have they recently been to the groomer or daycare?
• has their activity levels changed?

If the answer is no they haven't refused, the above questions will still be helpful in trying to determine the cause. 

• Peripheral vision is blocked by the sides of the bowl causing a need to protect their food
• Food clumps up against side of bowl or slow feeder making it hard to eat
• The small round space creates body tension and rigidity when eating
• Clumps of food inhibit a dogs natural tendency to sniff, hunt, explore their food
• High ridges of some slow feeders can be uncomfortable for dogs as they are constantly banging their nose against the ridges

A change of season can play a role. 

In the summer when the heat is at it's strongest, your dog might not feel like eating quite like they usually do.  Summer might mean your pups are in rest mode, moving less and adjusting their energy requirements accordingly. They might be telling you that during this period, they don't need as much food.

Summer is a good time to focus on cooling foods like: blueberries, raspberries, watermelon, beef, tripe, eggs, yogurt, kale, broccoli, kelp.

Has your dog been on any new medications?  Some medications can alter your dogs appetite.

Some dogs are particular about texture and temperature.   Some options are to feed partially frozen or at room temperature.  I wouldn't recommend cooking, but you can add some hot water to see if it helps.

Add something with a harder texture like freeze dried raw food to add some crunch or some raw meaty bones like chicken necks or frozen herring. If hard textures are out, try blending the raw dog food further for a smoother consistency.

If your dog is stressed or has a tendency to be anxious, this can affect their appetite.  Stress can be from moving, new people in the house, new family members (children or pets), change in routine, etc.

Some dogs respond to environment changes like being away from home or when family members are away from home by refusing to eat their food.

Try reducing their stress with some play or one on one time before meals.  The activities can help move their system out of fight or flight mode into a rest and digest mode. 

Using the Mine Pet Platter as noted above can also help reducing stress and anxiety around mealtime.  The open space is inviting for them and by spreading out the food on the platter, it encourages their "hunting" drive by encouraging sniffing and exploration of their food.

As you can see, there are various reasons for a dog to refuse their food.  For some people it will take some trial and error to determine the cause.  It can be frustrating.  But try not to stress as your dog will pick up on this energy and it might fuel their hunger strike further.

It's important to know that healthy adult dogs will not starve themselves.  In fact, there are many that would say that fasting is a great way to create and maintain a healthy immune system.  Some raw feeders will incorporate a fasting day weekly or monthly for this reason.  Learn more about the benefits of fasting your dog.  

On average, healthy, adult dogs can go 3-5 days without eating.  Smaller dogs can go 2-3 days without eating.  This is if they have access to lots of drinking water.  

Some dogs who are stubborn, will require consistency and persistence.  Dogs can pick up on habits, so if you offer something else after they refused the food you gave them, they will learn they can train you instead of the other way around!  Set down their food and walk away.  Give them 10-20 minutes and if they don't eat it, pick up, put in the fridge and try again later.  It may mean that they don't eat their dinner - and that's ok for adult dogs.  

If you find you need some extra support, tripe is the number one thing that can entice a hesitant eater.  If you haven't used it before, it is VERY smelly, but dogs love it enticing even the pickiest eaters.  I would recommend mixing it in with the raw dog food.  Our Doggy Moggy Beef and Advanced meal already have it included.